The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have left a growing list of victims. Among those who have tragically lost their lives are basketball player Gilberto Hernández, actress and TV host Yorgelis Delgado, and university student Vicky Chiquinquirá Urdaneta Leal. These losses highlight the human toll of the most severe seismic disaster to hit the nation in over a century.
According to reports from Noticiero Venevision, the official figures from the Ministry of Communication and Information indicate a death toll of 2,645 and 12,666 injuries following the twin earthquakes on June 24. These quakes, with magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.2, occurred just 39 seconds apart, affecting the states of Yaracuy and Carabobo.
Sports and Entertainment Communities in Mourning
Hernández, who made his debut in the Professional Basketball Superleague (SPB) with the Cocodrilos de Caracas in 2017, perished alongside his wife in the state of La Guaira. The SPB board expressed their condolences in an official statement, acknowledging his contributions to Venezuelan basketball.
The entertainment industry also grieves the loss of Yorgelis Delgado, known for her role in the Venezuelan children's series "El Club de los Tigritos." Delgado and her mother, Gladys Escalona de Delgado, were reported missing after the collapse of the Coral Beach building in Caraballeda. On July 3, their family confirmed the discovery of their bodies and requested privacy to mourn their loss. Delgado's daughter and her father were rescued alive.
Impact on the Academic Community
The third identified victim is Vicky Chiquinquirá Urdaneta Leal, a Modern Languages student at the University of Zulia (LUZ). Residing in Los Bucaneros building in Catia La Mar, she was discovered deceased on July 3 after being missing for several days. Described by her loved ones as "kind, beloved, and full of life," Urdaneta Leal had graduated in 2024 as a cabin crew member from Sky Crew School in Catia La Mar.
Unprecedented Humanitarian Crisis
The Venezuelan sports community is reeling from multiple losses due to the earthquakes. The Venezuelan Football Federation had previously confirmed the deaths of at least four soccer players, including 18-year-old midfielder Yimvert Berroterán, found under rubble in La Guaira.
Official figures, steadily rising from the initial 164 deaths reported on June 25, may not fully capture the disaster's true scale. The United Nations estimates up to 50,000 people are missing, while the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) projects a 42% chance that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000. Material damages are estimated at $6.7 billion, equating to 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
The official report also notes 890 aftershocks, 885 buildings damaged, and 189 structures collapsed. Approximately 15,050 people remain homeless, residing in 59 temporary camps, while around 29,567 personnel continue efforts in the affected areas as the search for victims persists.
Understanding Venezuela's Earthquake Aftermath
What were the magnitudes of the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.2, occurring just 39 seconds apart.
Who were some of the notable victims of the earthquakes?
Among the victims were basketball player Gilberto Hernández, actress Yorgelis Delgado, and university student Vicky Chiquinquirá Urdaneta Leal.
How many people are estimated to be missing according to the UN?
The United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people are missing following the earthquakes.